Influence of Agricultural Education on Uptake of Tissue Culture Banana in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Agricultural education could contribute to increase in production by encouraging the application of enhanced farming techniques, high-yield crop varieties and livestock breeds. Moreover, agricultural technology has not been properly exploited due to decreased support and dropping standards of farmers’ extension services, and deteriorating economic situations in Kenya over the previous ten years. The general objective of the study was to determine the influence of agricultural education on uptake of tissue culture banana in Kiambu County. Specific objectives were to determine the influence of formal, non-formal and informal agricultural education on the uptake of tissue culture banana technology in Kiambu County. The study also determined the moderating effect of cultural belief on the relationship between agricultural education and uptake of tissue culture banana. This study was anchored on diffusion innovation theory and technology acceptance model. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design in order to determine the influence of agricultural education on uptake of tissue culture banana. The study targeted 1881 farmers in the 12 sub-counties of Kiambu County. Purposive sampling method was used to select 6 sub counties that were part of the study. The study sample size was 286 respondents. A pilot test was conducted to determine the suitability of the study tool, clarity of questions and their logical flow. Primary data was collected using questionnaires. The study collected quantitative data which was analysed using descriptive statistics, correlational analyses and regression analysis. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 was used. Data was presented using tables. A linear regression was conducted to determine the association between independent and dependent variables. Analyzed data show that there is a positive correlation of (r=0.609, p=0.01) for formal agricultural education and uptake of tissue culture banana in Kiambu County, (r=0.701, p=0.01) for non-formal agricultural education and uptake of tissue culture banana technology and(r=0.583, p=0.01) for informal agricultural education and uptake of tissue culture banana technology. The study found that formal agricultural education has significant influence on uptake of tissue culture banana in Kiambu County of tissue culture banana in Kiambu County. Non-formal agricultural education has significant influence on uptake of tissue culture banana in Kiambu County of tissue culture banana in Kiambu County. Informal agricultural education has significant influence on uptake of tissue culture banana in Kiambu County of tissue culture banana in Kiambu County. The study suggests that the government ought to increase its funding on agricultural education in learning institutions. This would ensure that more learners take agriculture as a subject in schools. It is recommended that more vocational institutions offering agricultural education should be established in Kenya. This would increase the number of individuals in agricultural education who are innovative. It is suggested that agricultural expos should held in counties. This is helpful for farmers to share ideas and also get to learn agricultural technologies.